The Pact on Migration and Asylum was adopted in June 2024 and will enter into force in June 2026. It covers almost all aspects of migration and asylum policy, from health and security checks and reception conditions to asylum procedures and emergency measures.
On December 8, 2025, the European Council concluded an agreement on European law concerning the return of third-country nationals residing illegally.
While the stated objective is to improve the effectiveness of return policies, this agreement raises serious concerns regarding respect for human rights, particularly concerning procedural safeguards, the principle of non-refoulement, the protection of vulnerable persons and the increased use of detention.
This Position Paper prepared by the Prometheus Institute for Democracy and Human Rights (IPDDH) highlights the legal and human risks associated with this agreement and makes recommendations to ensure its compliance with European and international human rights commitments.
